Steven Johnson Syndrome Pictures

What is Steven Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a disorder wherein there is allergic inflammation of the skin due to infections or medications. It is a rare disorder, but very serious in nature and can even result in fatality.

Steven Johnson Syndrome Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are listed below:

• Swelling in the face.
• Spots or Hives
• A purple or red rash on the skin that spreads rapidly within hours or days.
• The skin may peel away or shed
• Swelling of the tongue
• Skin itch or pain
• Skin blisters and blisters on mucous membranes like the mouth, eyes and nose
• Before the rash appears, one may experience fever, cough, sore throat and burning eyes.

Steven Johnson Syndrome Pictures

Picture 1:  Image of a person with Steven Johnson Syndrome

Photo Source : Wikimedia.org

Picture 2: Hypersensitivity reaction (erosion and blistering of skin)

Photo Source : Mayoclinic

Picture 3 : steven johnson syndrome rash picture

Photo Source : Medscape

Picture 4: Conjunctivitis in Steven Johnson Syndrome (eyelid and eye inflammation)

Photo Source : Wikimedia.org

Picture 5: Mucosal desquamation (tongue) in Steven Johnson Syndrome

Photo Source :  Wikimedia.org

Steven Johnson Syndrome Causes

Stevens-Johnson syndrome may be caused due to an allergic reaction to prescription drugs, infection or illness. Some of the causes are as follows:

Medications:

• Penicillin, used for treating infections
• Anti-gout drugs like allopurinol
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications that act as painkillers.
• Anticonvulsants, used for treating seizures.

Infectious diseases:

• HIV
• Herpes
• Typhoid
• Influenza
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis

Additional causes:

• Viral diseases
• Diseases that affect the immune system and decrease the body’s capacity to resist and cope with diseases.
• If one is a carrier of a gene known as HLA-B12.
• Any physical stimuli like exposure to ultraviolet light or radiation therapy.

Steven Johnson Syndrome Treatment

The treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires hospitalization.

Since Stevens-Johnson syndrome is primarily caused by allergies to medications, the first step is to stop all non-essential prescription drugs.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome results in a lot of fluid loss from the body and hence food and nutrients are replaced using a nasogastric tube.
The rashes and the resultant wounds from skin shedding is cleaned and dressed with a topical anesthetic. The blisters are soothed using wet and cool compresses.
An eye care specialist will check to see if there is any eye damage and prescribe the essential medication.
Some medications like painkillers, antihistamines for itch-relief, antibiotics for infection control (if and when needed) and topical steroids to diminish inflammation of the skin may be prescribed by the doctor.
Skin grafting may be necessary if a large part of the body is affected and in severe cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Support Groups for Stevens-Johnson syndrome

• Stevens Johnson Syndrome Foundation and Support Group – www.sjsupport.org
• Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center- http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD
• Madisons Foundation – http://www.madisonsfoundation.org